Pixar's CARS 2 will speed into theaters in 2011, one full year earlier than previously announced, Disney said today.
The Hollywood Reporter reports the sequel was originally slated for a 2012 release, but Pixar's John Lassetter said at a Disney event today that the film has been moved up a year and Brad Lewis, who produced Ratatouille, will make his directorial debut with the project. Lassetter also revealed that the film will be inspired by cars all over the world that Lassetter saw while doing press for Cars.
The Pixar guru also said that an animated series of cartoons dubbed Cars Toons will be airing on The Disney Channel, with the possibility of becoming a feature of its own. The first toon to air will be entitled Mater's Tall Tales, featuring the tow-truck character from the first film, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy.
Pixar's next film, "UP," floats into theaters May 30th.
Also, an update to the JOHNNY DEPP news from earlier today, Disney has confirmed to IESB that the actor is officially signed on to play TONTO in the Gore Verbinski Lone Ranger film and not The Lone Ranger himself.
The Hollywood Reporter via MovieWeb
